AUG/SEPT 2016
Aceh's Far North - Weh Island A Natural Hidden Gem
Jakarta Survival Guide Ada Apa?:
Social Diary
What are your values ?
The pursuit of academic excellence Respect Individuality Celebrate achievement Guide and nurture Respect human rights Cherish both the community and the environment Encourage moral and ethical values Uphold loyalty, pride, spirit belonging and caring
At the British School Jakarta we know our core values and we live by them . . .
For further information about the British School Jakarta, please contact the Admissions office at Tel: (62-21) 745 1670 • Fax: (62-21) 745 1671 • E-mail: admissions@bsj.sch.id • www.bsj.sch.id
CONTENT FEATURES
Jakarta Survival Guide 08 A Journey Bespoke 12 Aceh's Far North - Weh Island 22 A Natural Hidden Secret
TRAVEL
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Samboja Lodge & The Borneo 16 Orangutan Survival Foundation
REGULARS
Editor’s Note 02 Chairwoman’s Message 03 On the Road with Social Welfare 04 Social Diary: BWA Coffee Morning 07 Pink Golf Day 11 Review: Akira Back 19 Notice Board 27 Classifieds 28
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Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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EDITOR
Grapevine
August/September 2016
FROM THE EDITOR Around this time of year Jakarta welcomes many new people who for one reason or another, have come to make Jakarta their new home. Those first impressions are lasting and I’m glad to say when we arrived and people asked me what I first thought of Jakarta, my immediate response was, “Pleasantly surprised.” All my senses were instantly stimulated by the heat and sticky humidity, the smell (Jakarta’s not called The Big Durian for nothing) and the constant movement and sound of the traffic that took my eyes and ears hostage. What first struck me about Jakarta was the abundance of modern, glossy malls and the new constructions on every corner - this was a city on its way UP. Early excitement eventually gave way to the reality that this emerging modern city was not without its challenges. The gloss started to fade and like so many of us I realised that I was not on holiday and that I was an outsider who was going to have to work a little to make this place our home, to make us feel like locals and that we belonged. As time went by I found my way, and looking back now I have come to know that there are certain things, places, groups and overall knowledge that, had I known about earlier, would have made my settling much easier. And as BWA House becomes more alive with new faces, I would like to share this knowledge. See page 8 for my “Survival Guide to Jakarta” to get the low-down.
Claire
grapevine@bwajakarta.org Cover credit: Photo by Druvi Ruberu, taken at Pelabuhan Ratu harbour. Pelabuhan Ratu, in West Java is another easy weekend escape from Jakarta. Its colourful fish market and harbour, black volcanic sand beaches, hiking, hot springs, bamboo fishing platforms, lively surf and spectacular sunsets make it the ideal location for a city break. See “Survival Guide to Jakarta” for more city escapes.
ROVING REPORTERS WANTED! Got a bit of Carrie Bradshaw in you?
Just kidding - no experience necessary at all, and in any case I can’t promise to make your life as fabulous as Ms. Bradshaw’s. But if you often find yourself at BWA and society events, please consider taking a few photos and penning a few lines for Grapevine. It’s fun! Get in touch via email (above). We also always need proofreaders and photographers!
CONTRIBUTORS:
Karen Turner, Laura Thompson, Jackie Buchanan, Noreen Hussein, Jo Stevens & Liz McClean, Stephanie Brooks, Helen Gerrard, Debbie Manderson
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Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
BWA COMMITEE 2016-2017
CHAIRWOMAN
Honorary President Rachel Malik Chairwoman Laura Thompson Vice-Chairwoman Karen Turner General Secretary Helen Gerrard Treasurer Melinda Mai Hawkins Reeta Trusdale Grapevine Editor Claire Ruberu Social Welfare Coordinator Jackie Buchanan Newcomers’ Coordinator Vacant Sponsorship Coordinator Heather Powell Membership Coordinator Haritha Alluri House Manager Vacant Programmes Coordinator Vacant Events Coordinator Noreen Hussain Website & Comms Coordinator Eszter Redmond Bazaar Coordinator Leah Sudarto DISCLAIMER The inclusion of any articles, advertising, logos or website links in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the BWA of the products or services so advertised or featured.
Postal address: P.O. Box 7923 JKSM Jakarta 12079 email: bwa@bwajakarta.org www.bwajakarta.org
FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN Welcome back, ladies. I hope you had a fabulous summer wherever you spent it, and now back in Jakarta feeling refreshed and raring to go. If you are new to these parts, on behalf of the BWA, may I extend a very warm (and humid) Jakarta welcome to you. There is no time or excuse to be lonely and bored as a member of the BWA. Please pop in for a coffee at our weekly Tuesday coffee morning, 9:30am to 12pm. There is always someone at the BWA House to help you settle in, offer some advice, and to connect you with like-minded ladies. This will help make your transition into Jakarta life a little easier, and most likely lead to life-long friendships. Although the summer months over the school holidays were slow, Noreen Hussain, our events organiser, has a full suite of events planned for the coming months. So please dust off your diaries and pencil in the dates (event details can be found within this issue, our website and facebook pages). I do hope you will be able to join us. We would love to hear from you if you have some free time, and would like to help out, and have bit of the fun along the way. It is also time to start thinking about the 35th BWA Cabaret Fashion Show. This is Jakarta’s biggest social event of the year. The date has been set for Saturday 6th May 2017. The Fashion Show takes an enormous amount of time and effort. If you would like to be part of our dedicated team, that annually benefits many worthy social welfare causes (see page 20 for further details), then please do get in touch at chairwoman@bwajakarta.org I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming GBCM (Great British Coffee Morning) on Tuesday September 6th. Hope you can make it.
With best wishes,
Laura
chairwoman@bwajakarta.org
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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SOCIAL WELFARE
ON THE ROAD... with
Social Welfare
RIO CLUB DONATES TO BWA SOCIAL WELFARE CHARITIES
A representative from each deserving charity received a donation of 11million IDR.
RIO Club’s William Gray with Paulo Maggie, the recipient of the charity prize.
THE RIO Club and BWA Social Welfare got together to donate 33 million IDR to three Jakarta-based Charities, during a very special coffee morning on June 7. The RIO Club generously sponsored a big cash prize of 5000 USD (66 million IDR) to a draw card winner at this year's BWA Fashion Show fundraiser, with 33 million IDR donated to BWA Social welfare charities of the winner's choice.
William Gray, founder of the RIO CLUB, said “Being an adopted child myself, I have deep empathy for the less fortunate children of the world, and it gives me immense satisfaction to support the amazing work that these deserving charities continue to do. Our contribution is simply a way of reaching out to help these unprivileged women and children, in the same spirit in which the investment club seeks to help members families secure and protect their investments.”
The winner, Mr. Paulo Maggie, chose three very deserving charities supported by the BWA Social Welfare: • Amal Mulia, a foundation that runs several social programs for children orphaned and abandoned, disabled children, and the elderly; • Rachel House provides palliative care for children living with life-limiting conditions, allowing them to live with joy and dignity in a non-discriminatory, safe and loving environment; and • Mary Cancer Kiddies provides support for the medical treatment of children from financially disadvantaged families in Indonesia.
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Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
“Financial support from organisations like the RIO Club help BWA make a long term difference,” said Jackie Buchanan, coordinator of BWA Social Welfare. “BWA works hard in many ways to help our charitable partners. Our members are constantly seeking creative ways to make a difference and an impact on the lives of struggling Indonesians. Donations from caring organisations like RIO Club certainly help us to achieve our goals for our charities.” If you would like to get involved in BWA Social Welfare projects, please contact socialwelfare@bwajakarta.org.
SOCIAL WELFARE
INTRODUCING... BWA’S SOCIAL WELFARE
We don’t need to look hard to find people all around us who need a helping hand. Living in Jakarta, we are constantly reminded that we are the lucky ones. As expats, we are women who have given up our own careers and interests to live and support our family in foreign lands and we now have more time to give back to the world where we have been so fortunate. The BWA’s Social Welfare projects offer members the opportunity to become involved in helping needy people in Jakarta.
WHAT WE DO CHILDREN’S HOMES We provide financial assistance towards the running costs of several homes. However, it is not only about the money. Members also visit the homes and enjoy teaching preschoolers through play, chatting with hgh school students, cuddling babies and just being there to give a smile or hug when it’s needed. We also take much appreciated donations of toys and clothing. HEALTH Our support to health education takes many forms. We have purchased much needed and costly equipment for both cancer and HIV patients. Also, we support a palliative care initiative, a home for paraplegic adults and a home and school for HIV children. EDUCATION We have funded many high school students and six university students. It is heart-warming to see the joy and gratitude our donations bring to these students who would otherwise be denied an education. The BWA have
contributed towards the salaries of five teachers in a preschool and an after school club. Our BWA Indonesian Mobile Library, which is rotated monthly, has proved to be a great success. EMERGENCY RELIEF Through the support of BWA members we are fortunate that we have a ready supply of clothing, etc. to immediately respond to fires and floods. Our initial response to these emergencies is to take these supplies together with hot meals, drinks and baby milk. We will then carefully assess the situation and act accordingly if necessary. OUR PROJECTS Our focus is on education, health, children, the elderly and the disabled. We have helped a variety of projects in different ways, including: Amal Mulia, Ceria, Mary’s Cancer Kiddies, Kasih Mandiri, Rachel House, Vina Smart Era, Luminare Domus, Ruang Carlo, Goodwill, Lansia, Wisma Cheshire, Yayasa Anak Indonesia. THE COMMITTEE The Social Welfare Committee is a dedicated group who distribute funds raised through various BWA activities to help the underprivileged. When we identify a project we carefully assess the way funds are spent and ensure that every rupiah donated is accountable. Each project has at least one designated coordinator who monitors expenditure. For more information, contact: socialwelfare@bwajakarta.org
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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SOCIAL DIARY
coffee morning Most people associate summer with far flung, sunny holidays, where they can escape to relax and recharge their batteries. In reality it's no different for expats, though mostly they will be planning to go back home to spend valuable time with family and friends.
kids), who then went on to join us in in our weekly canasta and mahjong games. The warmth and homeliness of BWA House must have won them over, as some of the children who accompanied their parents even went for a swim in the house pool.
Whilst many expats were making their way back, myself and Heather (no idea who suggested it!) volunteered to do some "informal" coffee mornings. Originally the coffee events were for anyone who was new to Jakarta, allowing them to pop into a warm, friendly environment where they could meet and chat to others who were spending summer in Jakarta.
I hope all those who came along, felt welcome, it was a pleasure meeting you all. We will continue to hold our coffee mornings throughout the year, weekly on a Tuesday at 11am and the Great British Coffee Mornings on the first Tuesday of every month from 10am. These special event mornings usually include a guest speaker, raffle and door prizes, excellent company and refreshments, so why not join us for one of these fun mornings?
Though I am a loud Scottish Indian female, at the first coffee morning, I was very nervous! And I was very glad I had my friends Trish and Nitha as backup! The first summer coffee morning in early July we met people that were both new and old to Jakarta, who wanted to see what the BWA was about and seemed very impressed with what we offered as an organisation. Noreen and Claire also brought along some yummy cake, that always helps
Reeta Trusdale
Over the next two coffee mornings in late July and August, we met some lovely people (and their
COFFEE MORNING Every Tuesday at BWA House. First Tuesday of the month GREAT BRITISH COFFEE MORNING.
Guest Speakers, Special Events, Retail Therapy. Fun. Come along and meet everyone.
Next up: Tuesday, 4 October, 10am Great British Coffee Morning - Guest Speaker: Natalie Stewart, Jakarta Animal Aid Network. Vendors include 2016 BWA Fashion Show designers. See friends, meet new members, JOIN UP!
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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FEATURE
Jakarta Survival Guide 01
02 June, July, August… they seem to be the months for moving, for changing, for finding your way in a strange new place. For some it can take a few weeks, for others months or even years. But for the newbies to Jakarta, we can fast-track your “feeling at home” period with these few suggestions that will ensure that you survive Jakarta. Check them out and hopefully, you’ll be feeling like a local in no time!
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JOIN BWA If you are not a first time expat, you’ve probably done this before. Joining an association that supports people from other countries is probably the best way to make friends and find things to do that that interest you. Dropping in to the coffee mornings at BWA House also gives you an opportunity to seek advice or get an opinion if you are having problems finding your way in Jakarta. People share ideas, have a laugh and can help connect you in so many ways. Also look at other Jakarta expat association websites - they often hold social events that you can join in without being a member. LEARN THE LANGUAGE We are so lucky that in most of the places that expats frequent, English is spoken. You will mostly likely stumble across an employee at the supermarket, cafes, banks, cinemas, etc, who speaks English and if they don’t, they will find another employee who can. In most local schools English lessons are now mandatory. You can probably get through life in Jakarta without learning anything other than Terima Kasih. A smile, some hand signals and Google Translate just might be ok. But why struggle through when Bahasa Indonesian is one of the more simple languages to learn. It is easy to find tutors and Bahasa Indonesian classes. BWA House regularly hosts classes and after a few lessons you’ll find you get so much further with the locals when you try a few phrases with them. In fact, they will be delighted. This will also help with your home helpers and when you venture further beyond the security of Jakarta Selatan and the big city malls. An added bonus - you’ll probably make a friend or two as well.
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MACET! One of the first words you will learn in Bahasa Indonesian will be ‘macet’. Macet, or traffic is probably the biggest challenge you will face in Jakarta. Where I come from, small talk usually revolves around the weather. In Jakarta, it is the current status 8
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
03 of the traffic. Macet can really get you down. It is not unheard of to waste hours travelling a few kilometres. It can sap you dry of all the goodwill you had at the beginning of the journey. And it's no use trying public transport (if you are brave enough to do so), because the buses are stuck in the same situation and the train network does not yet exist for those short stops around the town. So to avoid the macet madness, there are two things you can do. Number 1 - Prepare. And Number 2 Ojek. Always be prepared for the inevitable Jakarta traffic. Leave earlier than necessary. It is highly unlikely that you will be early but you may actually arrive not too late. Download a GPS traffic app, such as Waze or Google Maps, to your smartphone to help you identify the best route with fewer traffic interruptions. Keep a Car Kit. We keep a small box in our car with a few essentials to help us get through any unplanned hold ups. Our box has a few magazines to keep boredom at bay (and I always grab my latest book as I leave the house). For the kids, I keep books like National Geographic Kids Almanac or Guinness Book of World Records in the car, plus a notebook and some pens for a game of Hangman or for doodling. The box also contains a couple of small bottles of water, a few muesli bars and some discretely hidden lollies for bribing the kids when the boredom of the drive turns them into squabbling monsters. We have everyday car essentials such as tissues, santizer wipes, a couple of barf bags (useful for the windy road trip), a mini umbrella and some plastic sheeting to put on the car seats if we get caught in a downpour after leaving soccer/cafe/school. It only takes a minute to become fully saturated when the Jakarta clouds decide to open up during the wet season. Invest in a smartphone (if you don't have one already). Time spent in macet is perfect for responding to emails, making plans with friends via text and updating Facebook with your recent pics of you exploring Jakarta. And as mentioned above, if all else fails and the traffic is sending you batty, leave your car to the security of your driver (major bonus of living in Jakarta, you probably have a local driver as part of your personal home staff to take you from A
FEATURE
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05 to B) and hail an Ojek. An Ojek is the local word given to a motorcycle taxi. While you are placing your life in someone else's hands, it is definitely the fastest way to weave through the stranglehold of Jakarta macet. And it’s cheap!
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EXPLORE THE CITY The best way to embrace your new home is to explore it. Leave the safety of your neighbourhood and play tourist for a day. See Jakarta’s proud landmarks - MONAS (Monumen Nasional), Masjid Istiqlal (largest mosque in South East Asia) and Museum Nasional (also known by locals as the Elephant Museum due to the elephant statue at the front. Indonesian Heritage Society provide English speaking guides at designated times, which definitely enhances the experience). Tour Glodok and Chinatown in the north of the city or Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta’s historical harbour district. Explore Kota Tua (Old Town Jakarta) and the many museums and original buildings in the area before lunching at Cafe Batavia. Wander around the streets of Mentung, taking in the original Dutch Colonial buildings and homes and finish with a relaxing sit in the tranquil gardens of Taman Suropati. Talk to other expats about their favourite places to take visitors and explore them with your family. You can then put together a Top 10 of your own to take your overseas visitors. Or join Indonesian Heritage Society’s (IHS) Explorers groups. Being a member of an IHS Explorer group is one of the best ways to see and learn about Jakarta through regular excursions to places of interest around Jakarta. (And it’s another good way to make friends.)
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ESCAPE THE CITY Every once in a while, the busy Jakarta life can get the better of you. The traffic, lack of essential supermarket ingredients, the struggles to be understood when your Bahasa isn’t up to scratch, lack of fresh air and clear skies (and lack of wine!) and other frustrations of living in a foreign country just make you want to scream. So recharge the batteries with a change of scenery. There is always Bali (the easy, no-planning-necessary getaway) but with approximately 17,000 islands to choose from, why not explore other areas of the archipelago. Go to Kalimantan to see the orangutans, Flores and Rinca for the
Komodo Dragons, Lombok to hike Mount Rinjani or further afield to Raja Ampat to snorkel in one of the world's most diverse marine environments. Closer to home a (long) day trip to snorkel the waters and climb Krakatau is invigorating fun, a boat trip to any of the impressive Thousand Islands or you can check out the waterfalls around Bogor and the cooler climate Puncak region. Keep in mind a weekend morning walk among the padi fields in the Sentul highlands (only an hour from South Jakarta) with idGuides. Further afield, Borobudur and the temples of Yogjakarta are a must. All of these options are fairly typical but there are so many more adventurous ideas and places to visit - the list is endless. WEBSITES to CHECK OUT Surviving Jakarta is made easy with the help of these websites, which regularly post things to do in this crazy city Jakarta: www.nowjakarta.co.id www.whatsnewjakarta.com www.ajourneybespoke.com www.honeycombers.com/jakarta www.familyguidetojakarta.com www.jakarta.coconuts.co www.expat.or.id MUST HAVE SMARTPHONE APPS Go-jek - order a ride, manicure, groceries, massage, movie tickets, cleaner, courier... Waze - traffic and navigation app with real-time updates Happy fresh - grocery delivery Blue Bird - taxi service
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OTHER HANDY HINTS Avoid wearing polyester Eat Indonesian food Explore the passars (markets) Indulge in a Sunday brunch at a 5-star hotel Climb a volcano Buy batik Find the duty-free wine shops Buy an American Womens Association (AWA) Shopping Guide Claire Ruberu
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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SOCIAL DIARY
Golf Day The golf green will be turning pink on Thursday 27 October, as the BWA celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the United in Pink charity golf tournament. BWA promises to deliver a day of friendly competition and a unique social environment afterwards. In the morning, Rumah Sakit Bintaro will kick start our bodies to get the energy flowing. Mid-way through the round, Slim Gourmet will put a smile on your face with a healthy snack box delivered to your cart. Lunch provided by Matoa will also feature yummy Chicken Swarma & Bakalava from Turkuaz. Entertainment will not be lacking, as Lucy’s Batik and House of Beads will be showing off their latest collection. A little retail therapy is a must and there will be some very cool vendors present. For some golfers a complimentary shoulder massage will be in order (thanks to Spalosophy) while sipping on a (free flow) margarita, courtesy of Eastern Promise. Don’t forget it is BYOB! No Corkage! There will be trophies for the top three teams and highest scoring, as well as skill prizes. Longest Drive will be 1 prize for Men and 3 prizes for Ladies
(according to handicap grades A, B, & C). Don’t forget the Hope Ball Challenge - a chance to win sparkling wine for the team - and BWA wouldn’t be the same without a theme dress up competition! Put those creative fashion minds to work for the best “In the Pink” Team prize. The format will be a fun modified Texas Scramble with a Shot Gun start. Held at Matoa Nasional Golf & Country Club, registration starts at 6.30am, with an 8am tee-off. The tournament is open to both members and nonmembers, women and men, so bring along boyfriends, husbands, partners, work colleagues and friends. This is a premier event on the social golf calendar. In addition to all the fun above, this tournament highlights the importance of early detection as the best prevention. So instead of just wearing a pink ribbon this October, get really involved and join BWA’s United in Pink Charity Golf Day! So don’t miss out - register now in person at BWA House and email golf@bwajakarta.org for transfer details.
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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A JOURNEY BESPOKE
AJB’S TOP SPOTS TO STOP ON JL. KEMANG TIMUR RAYA Whether you’re new to Jakarta or you’ve been here a while, there’s always something to discover in this frenetic city that we call home - you just need to have a little patience, a dash of persistence and a flicker of curiosity and you will be rewarded for your efforts. To help you, we have introduced a series of “Top Spots to Stop” on some of our favourite Jakarta streets. In this edition of Grapevine, we present you with five of our “10 Top Spots to Stop on Jl. Kemang Timur Raya”. So ‘don your ‘sensible shoes’, it’s Ayo ke Jl. Kemang Timur! (To find the full version of this story, head to our Lifestyle section at: www.ajourneybespoke.com).
BEEQA JEWELLERY
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Beeqa is a little jewellery boutique and workshop tucked away at the end of the alleyway off Jl Kemang Timur Raya 77 and is owned by Danish jewellery designer Vibeke Lorentzen. The Beeqa style can be described as 'Scandinavian; slim lines, sleek and modern’. Beeqa pieces are often made with silver and are sometimes embellished with gemstones and pearls. Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No. 77 Jakarta Selatan Whatsapp: +62 0859 3982 7473
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01 Jo eyeing off the Beeqa range of necklaces and rings 02 Beeqa jewellery beautifully displayed, making choosing that special piece a cinch.
Cottonink retail store is a relative new-comer to Jl. Kemang Timur. It was established in 2008 by two close friends Carline Darianto and Ria Sarwono who started off designing and producing t-shirts. Cottonink stock an excellent range of fashionable casual wardrobe staples in quality natural fibres such as cotton and denim.
COTTON INK
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No. 74C Jakarta Selatan
03 03 The Cottonink facade with large modern picture windows that look out onto Jl. Kemang Timur 12
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
A JOURNEY BESPOKE Goni Coffee was originally located in the 'dalams' of Kemang - a quaint village-style part of the South Jakarta suburb of Kemang, but as with all good things, word spread and the little coffee shop was soon bursting at the seams with both locals and expats alike, wanting their quality coffee fix each day. Before long owners Fauzan and Argam decided that a new, bigger venue was required. Hence Goni has relocated to Kemang Timur; not too far from the original location, whilst providing a more spacious cafe that still retains the industrial-style charm.
GONIE COFFEE
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.78CD Jakarta Selatan
YAKINIKO ART SHOP - PAK ARDY
04 04 Liz's lemari sepatu (shoe cupboard)
Located towards the Kemang Selatan end of Jl. Kemang Timur, Gudang Gudang is both a Yoga School and Art Gallery in the one building.
Liz’ first custom-made furniture piece was constructed by Pak Ardy at Yakiniko art shop. At the time, she was following Expat blog Living in Indonesia - A Site for Expatriates in Indonesia which had some great tips on how best to utilise the skills of master craftsmen in Jakarta to create a piece of furniture that would be treasured for years to come. Armed with this information she embarked on project 'lemari sepatu' 'shoe cupboard’ and was extremely happy with the outcome. Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.51A Jakarta Selatan Phone: 0815 725 44 527 / 0813 867 75 424 Best for: Custom-made furniture
GUDANG GUDANG
Gudang Gudang offers regular and private yoga classes as well as yoga teacher training and workshops. As you walk through the building, you will find a central courtyard area and reception for the Yoga school. There are two studios for classes and the building and gardens can also be hired for private functions. In the front of the building is an art gallery; certainly worth a browse. Jl. Kemang Timur No.88, DKI Jakarta Phone:+62 21 7180173
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
10 Top Spots to Stop on Jl. Terogong Raya Top Spots to Stop on Jl. Cipete Raya
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05 A sneak peek into the main yoga studio at Gudang Gudang where students are instructed in the practice of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga
We’re Liz and Jo. We’re friends. Together we share a blog about our journeys and adventures in Jakarta, our appreciation of the local People and their unique stories, what we are loving right now in Home & Design, The Jakarta Lifestyle and our passion for Food; to make, grow and to find. ajourneybespoke.com
06 The Joglo- style yoga studio in its verdant setting
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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FEATURE
SAMBOJA LODGE & THE BORNEO ORANGUTAN SURVIVAL FOUNDATION Samboja Lodge is a venture of Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) and it is an orang-utan sanctuary where traumatised orang-utans are taken, treated, taught & in many cases rehabilitated back into the wild, a model for reforestation & wildlife protection and also a hotel. Here guests can admire some of the orangutans as they frolic on their very own islands and can also witness how swathes of the rainforest have been replanted with indigenous trees and plants, thus recreating the ideal habitat for orangutans to thrive in as well as providing employment for local people. For those looking for a very reasonably priced weekend break suitable for the entire family, where travel time does not eat into an already short trip, I can recommend Samboja Lodge. The Lodge is situated a mere 38kms from Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. There are several flights from Jakarta to Balikpapan daily and transfer from the airport, which can be arranged by the lodge, takes approximately an hour. Accommodation is simple yet somehow magical. The two most expensive rooms are at the very top of the lodge, which is a vertigo-inducing 40m from the ground, in a tower, with mesmerising 360 degree views across the jungle canopy. On this floor there is also a private terrace to sit and admire the stunning scenery. This floor may not be suitable for anyone with very young children as it is quite a tricky climb up the open metalwork staircase. Nor is it suitable for anyone scared of heights or someone who has the tendency to ‘forget something in their room’ as it takes quite a few exhausting minutes to trek up and down. The rooms on the lower levels are nice, cheaper and perhaps a wiser choice for those travelling with very young (or very old) families. The Lodge has a restaurant serving very simple meals which all have to be ordered in advance (except for breakfast). It felt strange to be ordering the next day’s lunch as we ate dinner but then, we knew we weren’t there for the cuisine! Activities cost extra but the dusk Sungai Hitam River trip 16
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
is an absolute must. After our afternoon arrival, we took a short drive to the river bank and then set off in a very simple, basic vessel. We glided along the Black River in search of the endangered proboscis monkeys whilst keeping a watchful eye out for crocodiles and jumping monitor lizards. It was utterly enchanting and fascinating to fall silent in our peaceful yet exciting search. The reward we felt when we saw them served to remind us just how far we were from our own natural habitat. On our second day, we went to greet the true stars of the show – the orang-utans. Guests cannot come close to any the orang-utans but merely admire them from the banks of the moat that surrounds their island homes. But even that interaction was enough to soothe the mind and for me to witness just how similar their behaviour was to some members of our party! Later we took a short canopy walk through an area of forest which was physically unchallenging but definitely not for anyone who suffers from vertigo. Perhaps my least enjoyable moment was the sun bear sanctuary. Sun bears are highly endangered and rare in the wild. This conservation programme is well-run by leading experts in the field who have the very best interests of the species at heart. However, it never feels comfortable to see any animals confined – no matter how naughty they are and we were told of several genius escape artists amongst the sunbears who had terrified shoppers at the local convenience store! We learnt all about the BOS programmes and the visionary founder of the organisation from their Information Centre (another dizzying experience that involved a tower!), our guides, the hotel staff and the volunteers there. Everyone was warm, welcoming and enthusiastic in their work and desire to make a change. But it was the orang-utans that we returned to, just ahead of our departure for a farewell wave! Karen Turner
FEATURE
FACTS Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) was established in 1991 and is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of the orangutan and its habitat. It currently takes care of approximately 750 orangutans. BOS has several centres in Kalimantan but only one that receives paying guests as a way of helping with the running costs of such an expansive and demanding programme of conservation.
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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REVIEW
For the Grapevine reader who rarely ventures out of Kemang after 5pm citing all sorts of excuses such as macet & hujan, Akira Back is my absolute top-tip for a high-quality Jakarta dining experience. It will have you putting those feeble excuses aside to hot-foot it or GoJek-it, up Rasuna Said, to the big city, no matter how long it takes or whatever the meteorological conditions, just for a weekly fancy food fix. Chef Akira Back is a Korean American who is worldfamous for his flagship restaurant, ‘Yellow Tail’ at the Bellagio Resort and Casino and who has brought some of that ‘Vegas Bling’ to our very own Jakarta. The restaurant is located in the MD Building in Setiabudi. You may not recognise the name but if I were to say it’s the building that looks as if it were made of either crazypaving or honeycomb, you will probably know it. The lobby glows neon blue and the lift up to the 12th floor conjures up old Austen Powers films but step inside the restaurant and the class of the establishment hits you. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable with lowrise views of the suburban city. The decor is dark and brooding yet funky and trendy consisting of largely wooden elements and hexagon shaped panelling. But it is the delicious, innovative food that impresses the most.
Modern Western Japanese Korean Fusion (crikey!) is probably the best way to describe it. The menu has a large selection of tapas-style dishes to choose from along with a smaller selection of main courses. We ordered exclusively from the tapas sharing menu and each plate was more delicious than the last. My personal favourite was the Tuna Pizza -- simple, flavoursome tuna carpaccio atop a very thin crispy dough and drizzled with truffle oil. The AB Tacos brimming with juicy tender Wagyu beef and spicy yet sweet tomato ponzu sauce looked traditional but tasted anything but. The Black Cod was seasoned to perfection, glazed in miso and simply melted in the mouth and The Perfect Storm Rolls, well, I have no culinary clichés left! No meal is complete without dessert and the mini chocolate lava cakes were just perfect for the sweetest of endings. Akira Back MD Place Building/Penthouse Level 12 Jalan Setiabudi Selatan No. 7 Jakarta Pusat Tel: 021 2904 0777 Karen Turner Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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FASHION SHOW 2017
BWA Cabaret Fashion Show 2017 Choreographers and Dancing Models Needed (no experience required) Applicants require:
A sense of fun; A love of wild hair and make up; A willingness to model fantastic local fashion; and To be able to attend weekly rehearsals.
Benefits includes:
Helping BWA’s Social Welfare program; Meeting new friends; Being part of the greatest show in Jakarta.
NUMBERS LIMITED. DON’T MISS OUT! To apply email – fsmodels@bwajakarta.org
FASHION SHOW 2017
BWA Cabaret Fashion Show 2017 PRODUCTION TEAM VACANCIES CALLING ALL FASHIONISTAS! BWA NEEDS YOU!
It’s time to start planning the event of the year. Have fun and utilise your skills for a worthwhile cause! Please come forward if you are interested in taking on any of the roles or helping out in any way. Contact: chairwoman@bwajakarta.org.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
RAFFLE COORDINATOR
HEAD CHOREOGRAPHER
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
The Artistic Director will be responsible for the stage design, ballroom layout, table decor and foyer decor. To work alongside our Produ ers and Head Choreographer as a team to produce stage design and construction drawings if required, based on the agreed theme. We need someone to liaise with and work alongside the Group Choreographers assisting with music and overall roll out of the event. The Head Choreographer will also work closely with the Design Fashion & Hair & Make Up Coordinators assisting with the allocation of suitable designers and hairdressers per group.
DESIGN/FASHION COORDINATOR(S)
Do you have style and Vision? We need someone to recruit and work with local Fashion Designers, coordinating the clothing and ensuring that the garments are appropriate for the music routines in keeping with the event theme.
MODELS CHOREOGRAPHER/COORDINATOR
We need someone to recruit and keep the choreographers and models abreast of the event, what is expected of them – timings, where and what should be happening at any given time
We need an organised person to recruit and arrange a raffle sales team, including the teenagers required on the evening and take responsibility for them at the event, plus manage the raffle sales desk including the Silent Auction. Do you have graphic design/desktop publishing experience? We need someone to design all event publications including tickets, programmes, posters, etc.
HAIR & MAKE-UP COORDINATOR(S)
Do you have style and vision? We need someone to recruit and work with hairdresser and make-up sponsors to coordinate the hair and make-up styling of the models in accordance with the theme.
F&B COORDINATOR
We need someone with excellent taste to work with the hotel to create a suitable menu for the event. Also, to source and select appropriate wines to serve with the meal and also source other beverages for the event, preferably from sponsors.
FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR
Are you good with spreadsheets? Have bookkeeping experience? We need someone to work closely with the BWA Treasurer to manage and record the finances of this year’s show.
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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FEATURE
Aceh’s Far North - Weh Island A Natural Hidden Secret
As I relaxed in my comfortable bungalow hammock, gazing out at the Andaman Sea, I planned my next day’s outing. Weh Island is a hidden treasure, a tropical island, at the far end of Aceh, North Sumatra. Cloaked in forests and mountain trails, the island is best explored by motorbike. However, cars are readily available too. I spent my first day discovering the beautiful bays and beaches of Weh. The highlight was hitting the famous spot, which marks the very beginning of Indonesia, its westernmost point, aptly named kilometre nol (zero). A huge zero, as tall as a football goal post, marks the spot and locals, divers and foreigners all converge at this point to watch the sunset. The friendly locals told me there is a place in Papua which marks the easternmost point of Indonesia. A lively discussion developed at the warung concerningwhat the exact kilometre number is written on the sign. Most agreed it was around 5,300. I set a goal that night to make sure I visited Papua and find the sign and promised to send photo evidence. My next day of discovery led to a visual feast of what lies beneath the aqua-blue waters of Weh. There are twenty dive spots around the island, with Gapang beach and reef being the most popular. The marine life is prolific, and the local people keep the sea gardens protected in the traditional way, and as a result, a host of sea life and corals abound, including scores of scorpion fish, lionfish and blue spotted rays. Nearby Pulau Rubiah, has unique coral gardens that are home to black spotted and honeycomb morays. The Rubiah wall drops down 30 metres. Another popular dive site is Pantee Aneuk Seuke, which features a dramatic canyon and here you can discover caves, more walls, and arches. This is the natural habitat of Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, and mantas. If wreck diving is your thing, the sheltered bay Pria Laot houses an old German cargo steam ship from 1920. Another wreck to explore can be found in Sabang harbour. You can spend your day fossicking around the nooks and crannies of this old tugboat. Pria Laot features an added surprise. Hot spring bubbles 22
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
emerge from an underwater volcanic vent and nuzzle up beside you as you merge with underwater streams. A unique and warming experience. For dining, there are five restaurants to choose from on Gapang Beach. The local Acehnese food is excellent and packs a bit of spice and is worth a try. Indonesian dishes are available and also some basic Western food. Mama Jungles is a favourite family style restaurant located right on the beach. Despite what you may hear about alcohol not being available in Aceh, it does exist, and Bintang beer can be purchased at Lumba Lumba Dive shop and brought to any restaurant on the beach. Beer is also available at Casa Nemo Bungalow Resort (Sumur Tiga Beach) and Casa Nemo also boasts a prolific cocktail menu. In Aceh, alcohol is not sold in shops, so one must ask around when looking to make a purchase. For those who are non-divers, there is plenty to do on Weh Island and transport is very reasonably priced. The pace of the island lends itself to beach walks and simply chilling out, but for keen explorers, you can arrange a car or a motorbike from your hotel. Heading into the interior you can spend the day hiking the trails and climbing the volcano and also discovering a beautiful waterfall. If you like history, the Dutch and Japanese cemetery is worth a visit, and you can spend the afternoon walking around the town’s colonial-period houses. The natural beauty of Weh, located at the top of Indonesia is what surprises most visitors, and it’s not uncommon to hear the comment, “I came to Aceh for a week, but when I discovered Weh Island, I ended up staying longer.” The low-key vibe coupled with the richness of the sea gardens and underwater world, plus genuine Acehnese hospitality, make Weh a natural hidden secret. By Stephanie Brookes
FEATURE
GETTING THERE Banda Aceh is connected with daily flights from Jakarta. Weh Island (Pulau Weh) is a small active volcanic island to the northwest of Sumatra, 45 minutes by regular fast boat or 2 hours by ferry from the mainland of Banda Aceh.
ACCOMMODATION A BEACH STAY: Casa Nemo Bungalow Resort is located on a beautiful white sandy beach (Pantai Sumur Tiga). It is a family-run resort, with gracious service, beautiful food, fresh seafood daily, outdoor lounge areas and hammocks on every wooden bungalow porch. It is styled on customary Acehnese houses. Traditional music and dance take place every Saturday night. Diving can also be arranged. http://www.casanemo.com A DIVE STAY: Lumba Lumba Diving Centre is a popular Western-owned dive operator in Gapang beach. Accommodation is bungalow style, spacious and clean. The newer budget rooms with shared bathroom are good value for money. The dive shop is professional, friendly and offers all PADI courses and also Nitrox. http://www.lumbalumba.com Stephanie Brookes is a travel writer and blogger with tales from Indonesia and beyond. Please see www.travelwriter.ws stephtravelwriter stephtravelwriter
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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Guiding Your Child’s First Steps Toward Life-Long Love of Learning
TChildhood Education Center in Indonesia
utor Time has been a leading Early
for more than 20 years. Our curriculum, created by early childhood education specialists in the USA, meeting each child’s developmental needs from 6 months to 6 years old. We provide a secure, fun, caring and enriched environment that promotes learning and the development of the whole child.
OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, September 24, 2016 • 9.00 am - 1.00 pm • at all Tutor Time centers
JAKARTA: Kemang, Ph: (021) 7179 3139 l Pondok Indah, Ph: (021) 7279 8185 l Kelapa Gading, Ph: (021) 4587 7312, 4584 2794 l Pluit, Ph: (021) 669 2513 l Intercon, Ph: (021) 586 8544 l TANGERANG: (021) 2222 2235. BANDUNG: (022) 250 0031 l SURABAYA: (031) 731 6736. WORLDWIDE: HONG KONG, USA.
www.tutortime.co.id, info@tutortime.co.id
NOTICEBOARD
Bali private villa in the ricefields
THE EXPLORERS at The Indonesian Heritage Society meet on Wednesdays for tours, talks, taking part in Indonesian daily activities. Join one of several groups who meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly Can’t make Wednesdays? Explorers also has a monthly Saturday group. Sessions start in September, February and June.
Villa Damee, Ubud is a splendid place to chill out and recharge the batteries. A private 3-bed, 3-bath, beautifully designed luxury villa set in the ricefields located in an ancient Balinese village and only 4.5 kms out of Ubud. This beautiful villa comes complete with a villa cook, AC and wi-fi. Breakfast included. The villa has a huge pool, free complimentary village tour and guided walk to the beautiful pristine river adjoining the villa with hidden temples in the rocks. www.villadamee.com
INFORMATION FOR EXPATRIATES IN JAKARTA
http://www.expat.or.id
www.heritagejkt.org for more information
explorers@heritagejkt.org or call 021 2572 5870 The IHS is a non-profit organization offering the opportunity to learn more about cultural heritage of Indonesia.
What’s new? Latest business, social & sporting Events: www.whatsnewjakarta.com
www.indonesiaexpat.biz Business, Lifestyle and Outreach News for Expats
YAYASAN WISMA CHESHIRE A Home in Cilandak, South Jakarta for 30 paraplegics of both sexes and any religion. Wisma Cheshire is part of the British worldwide Leonard Cheshire Disability organisation. VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED to help with Woodwork, Handicrafts, stock taking and admin. It need take no more than a few hours of your time each week and is rewarding and interesting work. Please contact: Petty Elliott 0816 922 099
Grapevine / Aug-Sept 2016
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